Breakfast first, then some mantra talk!
This morning I made a batch of honey whole wheat pancakes, but stirred some almond butter into the batter for a little extra flavor.
Topped with syrup and slivered almonds!
One Word Mantras
This morning, during my five mile treadmill run at the gym, I watched as the weatherman detailed the forecast for the coming week. Temperatures in Central Florida are expected to hit 80 degrees (and above) every single day.
My mind immediately skipped ahead to my half marathon next Saturday. What if the weather is still so warm? I started to think about my experience at the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Pete when the heat really got to me about halfway through the race. I remember feeling incredibly overheated and my mind got into a funk and couldn’t shake it.
I’ve been lucky with the weather during my long runs for the past few weeks. My eight miler was hot, but during my 9, 10 and 11 mile runs, the temperatures were in the 50s or 60s which was perfect. I started thinking about how my body probably feels used to running longer distances in cooler weather and psyched myself out as I ran today. I let other negative thoughts creep into my mind.
I want to run next Saturday’s half marathon and feel strong. I know heat and thick, humid air drain my energy quickly, but I think one of the biggest hurdles I faced during the Women’s Half Marathon was my mind.
Rule your mind or it will rule you, right?
Once I got it into my mind that I was hot and tired, that’s all I could think about. I focused on feeling defeated and that is obviously no way to invigorate a run.
Last month Theodora wrote a blog post about the power of running mantras. Her therapist encouraged her to explore using a one-word mantra during her runs. Theodora chose “speed.”
I often use music as a way to break through mental funks during long runs. In addition to filling my iPod with upbeat music, I’m going to try Theodora’s tactic and focus on a one-word running mantra during my half marathon if I feel negative thoughts creeping in.
My word? 
I feel confident in my ability to finish the half marathon. I’ve followed my training plan. I’ve run four half marathons before and know I can finish, but I want to really enjoy this race and keep my mind in a good place during all 13.1 miles. I know many things influence a runner’s attitude, but hopefully calling upon the word “strength” during my run will help me remember that my body is strong and my mind needs to be strong, too.
Question of the Morning
- If you were to use a one-word mantra to motivate yourself during a race or other fitness challenge, what word would you choose?
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I always say “Push” over and over again when I’m struggling through a race or a hard workout.
Jealous that it is 80 in FL! It’s supposed to 50 in Boston this weekend, which is like a heatwave for this time of the year. Having only one word for a mantra is tricky. I’d say mine is “GO!”
check out my blog about running 1,000 miles this year – i wrote about the write pair of running shoes today
http://runningathousandmiles.blogspot.com/2013/01/running-shoes.html
Stronger….nothin’s going to knock this girl down! 🙂
There is nothing harder for me than running in the heat. I t you it the nail on the head though when you said you’ve already run 4 halfs. for me , knowing I’ve don’t it before and sure as heck can do it again gives me that extra pep I need!
Push! or Go! Those two always help me keep going.
Just like the one-word resolutions, I love the one-more mantras! You are going to do so great Julie!
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
I do not have a one-word mantra, but I have a favorite quote that I often say to myself during a race: In the first half of the race, don’t be an idiot. In the last half of the race, don’t be a whimp. Hope that brings some inspiration to you! 😉 You can do it!
I never thought to put a nut butter in the pancake batter. That with bananas on top would be amazing.. may have to make that this weekend!
Great reminder Julie! I feel like this really does apply to so many areas of fitness as well as life in general. My mantra would be “ENDURE”. That, or “POWER” 🙂
I actually based my blog on one of my all-time favorite quotes, which I think may be helpful for you!
“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.” -General George S. Patton
Whenever I’m running and start to feel weak, I just think to myself, “My mind is stronger than my body!” over and over as I realize where my strength actually comes from. Hope this helps!
I use the phrase “pain is temporary; pride is forever”- you might be sore, tired and worn out for a few hours/ days after the race but you know when you give it your best you’ll look back on that race with pride forver. Good Luck out there in the humidity- You rock! Go get ’em(:
I had a friend post on the electronic message board at IM Wisconsin for me to “be brave!” Now I know that’s technically two words, but they have stuck with me for the past couple years since the race. Now if only I saw it at the beginning of the bike and not half way through the run, I may have had a better race. 😉
Can “cupcake” be my mantra?
Yes. Yes I think it can.
Can I add WINE to your cupcake?
The Kidless Kronicles
Inside the cupcake? Of course! 😉
Capable!
I can do it because I CAN do it – a lot of people don’t have that choice. Good luck next Saturday! I’ve got my first half the end of March 🙂
Mental strength is so important when it comes to running. During my half-marathon this summer, I felt very prepared for the race (I followed Hal Higdon’s intermediate half-marathon plan), but as soon as it began, something didn’t click for me mentally, and it ended up being a very long and tough run. When workouts get tough, I have three, one-word mantras: “push” for when the first negative thoughts arrive, “fight” for if they refuse to go away, and “love” when I feel like throwing in the towel. I’ve never had to use “love,” but I know reminding myself that I love running (and swimming and biking for triathlons!) will ignite a flame when I feel like giving up.
My word is NO! It is the answer to everything going on in my head. NO, you are not going to quit. NO, you are not going to walk. NO, there is nothing wrong with you. NO, you haven’t used it all up yet. And NO, you are not going to regret your performance later.
The Kidless Kronicles
My word right now would have to be MOTIVATE! It seems like right now a lot of people around me are excited about changes I made in my life and that they feel there is a chance for them as well. Every time I feel like skipping a training run or stopping in a race I know I want to keep going for those people I might reach!
For a one word mantra, I’d choose the word “warrior,” because I think it encapsulates the attitude of pushing yourself as hard as you possibly can in every way possible. I like to use a phrase or idea to motivate myself. For my first half-marathon, I thought about my best friend who has survived cancer twice. I just kept telling myself that if she could do that, I could run up a hill, I could keep running, etc.
I love your word! I’d probably choose that one too 🙂 I also like “fierce” “powerful” “love” “stronger” and “fighter”!
Go.Go.Go!
I think my word would be “Power” as in “power through it!” Hopefully the weather will cool off!
What got me through training during my first marathon and the marathon itself(Chicago!) was the phrase “I am stronger than I think”. I reminded myself during tough runs that I am stronger than I think, especially when I was battling my mind. I evantually got it tattooed on my foot to signify my relationship with running and myself.
My word would be ‘Grit.’ I once read a magazine article describing grit as the single-minded determination, pulled from deeper within one’s gut than they thought they had reserves, to finish in the face of a struggle. It defines the people who never give up. The article stuck with me, and I remember this in both workouts and in life.
One that ALWAYS works for me is “It’s not supposed to be easy!”
Determination!
Strength is a good one. It’s hard to pick one word that will bear enough resonance! My aim would always be to finish keeping in mind that many others have done it before me. I’ve never done a half marathon or come close but it is something I’d like to achieve. The mind is more powerful than the body!
Hi Julie! I’m thinking lots of positive thoughts for you and your half marathon training. I believe in you!! So you should too 🙂
Out of curiosity, what happened to the Las Vegas Half Marathon? Is that coming up at some point?
Hey you live in Central Florida were it is cold! Several of us here in Southwest Florida are doing the Naples Half Jan. 20. As it promises to be 85* or higher when the sun comes up we are planning on running in lite clothes, shorts, no shirts, and drinking plenty of fluids before during and after the race. So I gues the mantra would DRINK!
So feet don’t fail me now!
ENDURANCE!!
I’ve ran a 5K and a 10K and completed a sprint triathlon in the heat. And each time, I told myself, “I am a Florida girl…I can take it!” I also tell myself “just keep putting one foot in front of the other” and “you’re almost there, Katie!”
I also like Kate’s DETERMINATION too.
Good Luck next weekend, Julie! We’ll be rootin for ya!! 🙂
Strength is a great word to use because it really does encompass your body AND your mind’s strength which are both necessary when running, especially running 13 miles!
It’s not exactly one word, but the mantra I use in races always works, and I can say it to the beat of my pace in my head: “Run strong, have fun.” Sometimes I get too focused on finishing faster, but then I remember how much I love the excitement of race days and how good it feels to finish. That mantra reminds me of why I do it in the first place :).
My word would be “relax” or “breath”. Telling myself to do either of those has helped me to see how far I can go in any uncomfortable situation.
If it is hot, have you tried using salt packets to help your body retain water better? I know salt packets generally are used in Marathons, but on especially hot days they certainly help with half’s. Good luck to you – and your pancakes looked delicious.
Accomplish….for me that is the end goal of A LOT of what I do. So, that word sums it all up for me. What do I want to do? I want to ACCOMPLISH my goals 🙂 Good luck!
My word is “CAN”. Because I CAN do this. A lot of times when I am running I start to think about taking a break and walking a bit, but I HATE to do that….especially during a race. So, instead of thinking “I can’t walk, I can’t walk”, I tell myself “I CAN RUN ALL THE WAY, I CAN, I CAN”
My word when running is “ABOVE”…as in, you are above the pain, above wanting to quit. I actually try to picture myself above my body and outside of the difficulty I am currently experiencing. It helped during labor, too.;)
My word would be FINISHSTRONG! When I was younger my mom would always tell me the faster you go the sooner you will finish! Now when I run, and I am close to the finish that is all I can think about.
I was a sprinter in high school track, and I always used the word “FIRE” over and over on the last straightaway. When I was younger, in junior high, it was my dad who taught me the “fire!” trick. On my first ever track meet, in the 100 m dash, I couldn’t remember the word. So I ran saying “HURRICANE!” in my head. Not quite the same effect hahahaha multiple syllables don’t work as well when you’re trying to gun it to the finish line, my dad got a kick out of it though!
Julie, for your longer runs outside, do you take water with you? If so, do you use a hydration belt or just hold the water bottle?
Strength is one I use daily! I was a long distance runner all through high school and one of my best friend’s dad would always yell “Get up and go!” and for some reason that really motivated me! But if I had to think about a few other one word mantras I would go with powerful and dedication.
Finish. I don’t care how fast I go, or how long it takes me, I just care that I finish strong!
For tough and challenging workouts, my word is TEMPORARY. When my muscles are burning or I’m out of breath, I tell myself that it’s temporary – there will be an end, so I can push through. Good luck at the half marathon and may the weather gods be in your favor. 😉
It’s not one word, but my mantra is “Let yourself go”. The humor of the saying (since ‘letting yourself go’ usually refers to putting on weight) gives me a little extra spark to keep going on, but how I really mean it is “Let yourself GO” (as in, run). I run stronger when I view it as a privilege, or something my body WANTS to do and craves, rather than something negative or punishing.
My favorite fitness instructor uses the phrase, “Yes, you can!” to help push us through. I’ve started using it in my own workouts and longer runs! Positive self-talk really helps!
LOVE.
Because no matter what, we all need love. It doesn’t matter what I do or achieve if I don’t have love for myself.
Fearless.
I’d have to choose two words- ‘Don’t Die’ hahahha! or ‘keep running’ 😛
Oh no, don’t psyche yourself out! You can do it. It’s just another test for your to pass.
My mom joined a rowing league over the spring/summer – they had a three word mantra “beauty, grace, strength.” As they rowed they’d repeat it over and over and over. It keeps their beat and the oars in sync. But it is also a beautiful notion. I don’t row but I stole it for running. Beauty, grace, strength – one word for every stride. It has gotten me to the finish line in more than one race 🙂